Modi hails landmark win

BBC Online

Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi, the prime ministerial candidate for India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), gestures during a public meeting in Vadodra, in the western Indian state of Gujarat May 16, 2014. Photo: Reuters

Incoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed a "landmark" election victory by his BJP party.

Thanking supporters in his own constituency in his home state of Gujarat, Modi said they had written a new chapter in the country's history.

Votes counted so far suggest the BJP is on course for the most resounding victory by any party for 30 years, trouncing the outgoing Congress Party.

The controversial leader campaigned on promises to revive the economy.

However, many Indians still have profound concerns over Modi because of claims he did little to stop communal riots in Gujarat in 2002 when he was first minister in the state.